EP4220061A1 - Smart additively manufactured heat exchanger with adaptive profile and turbulator - Google Patents
Smart additively manufactured heat exchanger with adaptive profile and turbulator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4220061A1 EP4220061A1 EP23152948.8A EP23152948A EP4220061A1 EP 4220061 A1 EP4220061 A1 EP 4220061A1 EP 23152948 A EP23152948 A EP 23152948A EP 4220061 A1 EP4220061 A1 EP 4220061A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- heat exchanger
- exchanger element
- temperature change
- change
- shape
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 230000003044 adaptive effect Effects 0.000 title 1
- 230000003746 surface roughness Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 134
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 20
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 229910001285 shape-memory alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 8
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002596 correlated effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F13/00—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing
- F28F13/06—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media
- F28F13/12—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media by creating turbulence, e.g. by stirring, by increasing the force of circulation
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F21/00—Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials
- F28F21/08—Constructions of heat-exchange apparatus characterised by the selection of particular materials of metal
- F28F21/081—Heat exchange elements made from metals or metal alloys
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D13/00—Arrangements or adaptations of air-treatment apparatus for aircraft crew or passengers, or freight space, or structural parts of the aircraft
- B64D13/06—Arrangements or adaptations of air-treatment apparatus for aircraft crew or passengers, or freight space, or structural parts of the aircraft the air being conditioned
- B64D13/08—Arrangements or adaptations of air-treatment apparatus for aircraft crew or passengers, or freight space, or structural parts of the aircraft the air being conditioned the air being heated or cooled
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F1/00—Tubular elements; Assemblies of tubular elements
- F28F1/10—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses
- F28F1/12—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element
- F28F1/24—Tubular elements and assemblies thereof with means for increasing heat-transfer area, e.g. with fins, with projections, with recesses the means being only outside the tubular element and extending transversely
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F13/00—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing
- F28F13/06—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media
- F28F13/08—Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing by affecting the pattern of flow of the heat-exchange media by varying the cross-section of the flow channels
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F05D2260/00—Function
- F05D2260/20—Heat transfer, e.g. cooling
- F05D2260/213—Heat transfer, e.g. cooling by the provision of a heat exchanger within the cooling circuit
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F05D2300/00—Materials; Properties thereof
- F05D2300/50—Intrinsic material properties or characteristics
- F05D2300/505—Shape memory behaviour
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
- F28D21/00—Heat-exchange apparatus not covered by any of the groups F28D1/00 - F28D20/00
- F28D2021/0019—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for
- F28D2021/0026—Other heat exchangers for particular applications; Heat exchange systems not otherwise provided for for combustion engines, e.g. for gas turbines or for Stirling engines
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2250/00—Arrangements for modifying the flow of the heat exchange media, e.g. flow guiding means; Particular flow patterns
- F28F2250/02—Streamline-shaped elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28F—DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION
- F28F2255/00—Heat exchanger elements made of materials having special features or resulting from particular manufacturing processes
- F28F2255/04—Heat exchanger elements made of materials having special features or resulting from particular manufacturing processes comprising shape memory alloys or bimetallic elements
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to heat exchangers, and in particular to an additively manufactured heat exchanger for an aircraft.
- heat exchangers in aircraft experience a wide range of operating conditions and are subject to weight and pressure drop constraints.
- a heat exchanger element includes a body and at least one surface feature disposed at an outer body surface of the body.
- the at least one surface feature is deformable.
- a cross-section of the heat exchanger element is oriented parallel to a cross-sectional plane of the heat exchanger element.
- At least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change.
- the physical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof.
- a heat exchanger for an aircraft includes at least one heat exchanger element and at least one header.
- the at least one heat exchanger element includes a body and at least one surface feature disposed at an outer body surface of the body.
- the at least one surface feature is deformable.
- At least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change.
- the physical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof.
- the at least one header is attached to an end of the at least one heat exchanger element such that the at least one header is oriented perpendicular to the at least one heat exchanger element.
- a method of manufacturing a heat exchanger for an aircraft includes additively manufacturing at least one heat exchanger element and manufacturing at least one header which is attached to an end of the at least one heat exchanger element.
- the at least one heat exchanger element includes a body and at least one surface feature which is deformable. At least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change.
- the physical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof.
- Heat exchanger element Surface features of a heat exchanger element are designed to vary their shape in response to a temperature difference or gradient. As a result of this shape variance, the heat exchanger element can change its surface shape, surface area, surface roughness, and/or other surface characteristics. This allows the heat exchanger to improve its performance across a wide range of operating conditions (as compared to a conventional heat exchanger).
- a "temperature change” can also refer to a change in relative temperature or other temperature gradient change.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of prior art heat exchanger 10.
- Prior art heat exchanger 10 includes heat exchanger elements 12 and header 14. Each heat exchanger element 12 has a first end 16, a second end 18, and a cross-section 20. Each cross-section 20 is parallel to cross-sectional plane P.
- prior art heat exchanger 10 is a cross-flow heat exchanger designed for use in an aircraft.
- Heat exchanger elements 12 have a uniform shape and size.
- each heat exchanger element 12 is a tube having a teardrop-shaped cross-section 20.
- Each first end 16 of a heat exchanger element 12 is attached to header 14, and each second end 18 of a heat exchanger element 12 extends away from header 14.
- Each heat exchanger element 12 is thereby arranged perpendicular to header 14, and header 14 is parallel to cross-sectional plane P.
- heat exchangers for aircraft such as prior art heat exchanger 10
- heat exchangers for aircraft also have weight and pressure drop constraints, and are used in a variety of operating conditions. These heat exchangers need to operate at a wide range of temperatures/temperature gradients, altitudes, flow rates, and other parameters.
- Heat exchangers such as prior art heat exchanger 10 are generally designed to operate across these wide ranges, but are not optimized for any particular operating condition within those ranges. As a result, the efficiency of prior art heat exchanger 10 may be quite low in some circumstances (such as when a temperature gradient decreases within an aircraft component).
- FIG. 2A is a schematic depiction of bi-material element 100.
- Bi-material element 100 includes first material 102 and second material 104.
- FIG. 2B is a schematic depiction of bi-material element 100 after a temperature increase.
- FIG. 2C is a schematic depiction of series 106 of bi-material elements 100 after a temperature increase. FIGS. 2A-2C will be discussed in turn below.
- bi-material element 100 has initial total length TL 1 .
- Bi-material element 100 also has an initial length along the x-axis XL 1 .
- TL 1 is equal to XL 1 in FIG. 2A because bi-material element 100 is not curved.
- Both first material 102 and second material 104 can be metallic, such that first material 102 is a first metal and second material 104 is a second metal.
- First material 102 has a first thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) C 1 .
- Second material 104 has a second TEC C 2 which is different than first TEC C 1 . In the depicted example, second TEC C 2 is greater than first TEC C 1 .
- bi-material element 100 After bi-material element 100 has experienced a temperature increase, as shown in FIG. 2B , bi-material element 100 has final total length TL 2 and a final length along the x-axis XL 2 such that: TL 1 ⁇ TL 2 XL 1 > XL 2
- the total length of bi-material element 100 has increased due to thermal expansion of both first material 102 and second material 104.
- first TEC C 1 is less than second TEC C 2
- first material 102 expands less than second material 104 during the temperature increase. Due to this uneven expansion between first material 102 and second material 104, the curvature of bi-material element 100 has increased and the length of bi-material element 100 along the x-axis has decreased.
- first material 102 and second material 104 are shown in FIGS. 2A-2C , but embodiments of a bi-material element without a discrete boundary are possible through the use of additive manufacturing. Additionally, while final length XL 2 is shown as less than XL 1 in FIGS. 2A-2B , in other embodiments the length of bi-material element 100 along the x-axis can remain the same (depending on choice of materials, temperature, and other parameters).
- bi-material elements 100 can be arranged in series 106.
- FIG. 2C shows bi-material elements 100 arranged end-to-end, but it should be understood that bi-material elements 100 can be staggered, arranged in a lattice structure, or otherwise arranged in a pattern.
- the layout of series 106 can include varying orientations of bi-material elements 100 and/or bi-material elements 100 containing different materials (through the use of, for example, a third material).
- Bi-material elements 100 can be incorporated into the internal structure of a heat exchanger element using additive manufacturing. As bi-material elements 100 change in length due to a temperature increase, series 106 will correspondingly change in length (both total length and length along the x-axis).
- bi-material element for example, a tri-material element with at least one material having a different TEC than the other two materials, other embodiments of multi-metallic elements, or an element made of a shape-memory alloy.
- FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of heat exchanger element 200.
- Heat exchanger element 200 includes body 202 and tail fins 204.
- Body 202 has an outer body surface 206 and an inner body surface 208.
- Tail fins 204 each have an outer fin surface 210, an inner fin surface 212, a base 214, and a tip 216.
- Arrows F show the direction of a fluid flow about heat exchanger element 200.
- FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of heat exchanger element 200 after a temperature change. FIGS. 3A-3B will be discussed in turn below.
- Heat exchanger element 200 can include surface features, such as tail fins 204.
- body 202 and tail fins 204 are each formed of a first material 218 and a second material 220.
- outer body surface 206 and inner body surface 208 are each formed of approximately half first material 218 and half second material 220
- outer fin surfaces 210 are formed of first material 218, and inner fin surfaces 212 are formed of second material 220.
- the precise location of first material 218 and second material 220 within body 202 and/or tail fins 204 can be selected to achieve a particular shape variance and/or tail fin position variance.
- First material 218 has a first TEC C 1
- second material 220 has a second TEC C 2 .
- first TEC C 1 is different than second TEC C 2
- first TEC C 1 is less than second TEC C 2 .
- First material 218 and second material 220 can operate in substantially the same way as first material 102 and second material 104 (described above in reference to FIGS. 2A-2C ). Due to the difference in thermal expansion between first material 218 and second material 220, the shape of body 202 and the position of tail fins 204 can change based on temperature.
- FIG. 3B shows heat exchanger element 200 following a temperature change.
- This temperature change can occur on one or both of outer body surface 206 and inner body surface 208 (i.e., in one or both fluids passing through the heat exchanger).
- the shape of body 202 has become more elongated due to the difference in TEC of first material 218 and second material 220.
- outer fin surface 210 is formed of first material 218 and inner fin surface 212 is formed of second material 220, outer fin surface 210 expands less than inner fin surface 212 due to a temperature change.
- This difference in TEC causes the tips 216 of tail fins 204 to move away from each other in response to a temperature change.
- a similar position change of tail fins 204 can be achieved by deforming the shape of body 202, provided that tail fins 204 are sufficiently coupled to outer body surface 206.
- a shape-memory alloy can be used in place of first and second materials with differing TEC values. It should be understood that, depending on the choice of material(s) selected and the temperatures experienced, the shape of body 202 and the position of tail fins 204 can vary.
- the shape variance of body 202 and the position of tail fins 204 can help to increase the turbulence of fluid flow through the heat exchanger during operation. This increase in turbulence can raise the efficiency of the heat exchanger due to the disruption of boundary layers along the walls of heat exchanger elements 200.
- FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of heat exchanger element 300.
- Heat exchanger element 300 includes body 302 and tail fins 304.
- Body 302 has an outer body surface 306 and an inner body surface 308.
- Tail fins 304 each have an outer fin surface 310, an inner fin surface 312, a base 314, and a tip 316.
- FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of heat exchanger element 300 after a temperature change. FIGS. 4A-4B will be discussed in turn below.
- heat exchanger element 300 can include surface features such as tail fins 304, and body 302 and tail fins 304 are each formed of a first material 318 and a second material 320.
- Tail fins 304 can be substantially similar to tail fins 204 (described above in reference to FIGS. 3A-3B ).
- Body 302 can be formed of a series of bi-material elements, such as series 322.
- Series 322 can be substantially similar to series 106 (described above in reference to FIG. 2C ).
- These bi-material elements can each be formed of first material 318 and second material 320.
- First material 318 has a first TEC C 1
- second material 320 has a second TEC C 2 .
- first TEC C 1 is different than second TEC C 2
- first TEC C 1 is less than second TEC C 2 .
- First material 318 and second material 320 can operate in substantially the same way as first material 102 and second material 104 (described above in reference to FIGS. 2A-2C ). Due to the difference in thermal expansion between first material 318 and second material 320, the surface area of body 302 and the position of tail fins 304 can change based on temperature.
- FIG. 4B shows heat exchanger element 300 following a temperature change.
- the surface area of body 302 has increased due to the difference in TEC of first material 318 and second material 320.
- Body 302 can thereby expand or contract based on temperature.
- a shape-memory alloy can be used in place of first and second materials with differing TEC values. It should be understood that the surface area variance of body 302 can depend on the choice of material(s) and the temperatures experienced.
- the surface area variance of body 302 can help to increase the amount of heat exchanged by heat exchanger element 300. Additionally, the position of tail fins 304 can help to increase the turbulence of fluid flow through the heat exchanger during operation (as described above in reference to FIGS. 3A-3B ).
- FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of heat exchanger element 400.
- Heat exchanger element 400 includes body 402 and micro-fins 404.
- Body 402 has an outer body surface 406 and an inner body surface 408.
- Each micro-fin 404 has an outer fin surface 410, an inner fin surface 412, a first end 414, and a second end 416.
- Arrows F show the direction of a fluid flow about heat exchanger element 400.
- FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of heat exchanger element 400 after a temperature change. FIGS. 5A-5B will be discussed in turn below.
- heat exchanger element can include surface features such as micro-fins 404.
- Micro-fins 404 are illustrated as having a curved shape in FIGS. 5A-5B , but micro-fins 404 can have other shapes such as a substantially flat shape (either before or after a temperature change), a shape which conforms to outer body surface 406 (either before or after a temperature change), a straight fin similar to tail fins 204, 304 in FIGS. 3A-4B , or other suitable shapes.
- Each micro-fin 404 can be formed of a first material 418 and a second material 420. Each first end 414 of micro-fins 404 can be attached to outer body surface 406.
- Each second end 416 of micro-fins 404 can be a free end unattached to outer body surface 406.
- each second end 416 of micro-fins 404 is located adjacent to outer body surface 406.
- Each micro-fin 404 can be formed of a bi-material element, similar to bi-material element 100 (described above in reference to FIG. 2C ).
- These bi-material elements can each be formed of first material 418 and second material 420.
- Outer fin surface 410 can be formed of first material 418, and inner fin surface 412 can be formed of second material 420.
- First material 418 has a first TEC C 1
- second material 420 has a second TEC C 2 .
- first TEC C 1 is different than second TEC C 2
- first TEC C 1 is less than second TEC C 2 .
- First material 418 and second material 420 can operate in substantially the same way as first material 102 and second material 104 (described above in reference to FIGS. 2A-2C ). Due to the difference in thermal expansion between first material 418 and second material 420, the position of micro-fins 404 can change based on temperature.
- FIG. 5B shows heat exchanger element 400 following a temperature change.
- the position of micro-fins 404 has changed due to the difference in TEC of outer fin surface 410 and inner fin surface 412.
- Micro-fins 404 can thereby change position based on temperature, and this positioning changes the surface roughness of heat exchanger element 400.
- a shape-memory alloy can be used in place of first and second materials with differing TEC values. It should be understood that the surface roughness variance of heat exchanger element 400 can depend on the choice of material(s) and the temperatures experienced.
- the surface roughness variance of heat exchanger element 400 can help to increase the turbulence of fluid flow through the heat exchanger during operation.
- FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of heat exchanger element 500.
- Heat exchanger element 500 includes body 502 and surface features 504.
- Body 502 has an outer body surface 506 and an inner body surface 508.
- Each surface feature 504 has an outer surface feature surface 510, an inner surface feature surface 512, a first end 514, and a second end 516.
- FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of heat exchanger element 500 after a temperature change. FIGS. 6A-6B will be discussed in turn below.
- Each surface feature 504 can be formed of a first material 518 and a second material 520.
- Surface features 504 are illustrated as having a curved shape in FIGS. 6A-6B , but surface features 504 can have other shapes such as a substantially flat shape (either before or after a temperature change), a shape which conforms to outer body surface 506 (either before or after a temperature change), or other suitable shapes.
- Each first end 514 of surface features 504 can be attached to outer body surface 506.
- Each second end 516 of surface features 504 can be attached to outer body surface 506 such that second ends 516 can slidingly engage with outer body surface 506. In some embodiments, each second end 516 can be attached to outer body surface 506 in the same manner as first ends 514.
- Each surface feature 504 can be formed of a bi-material element, similar to bi-material element 100 (described above in reference to FIG. 2C ). These bi-material elements can each be formed of first material 518 and second material 520. First material 518 has a first TEC C 1 , and second material 520 has a second TEC C 2 . As described above in reference to FIGS. 2A-2C , first TEC C 1 is different than second TEC C 2 , and in some examples first TEC C 1 is less than second TEC C 2 .
- First material 518 and second material 520 can operate in substantially the same way as first material 102 and second material 104 (described above in reference to FIGS. 2A-2C ). Due to the difference in thermal expansion between first material 518 and second material 520, the surface area of surface features 504 can change based on temperature.
- FIG. 6B shows heat exchanger element 500 following a temperature change.
- the surface area of surface features 504 has increased due to the difference in TEC of outer surface feature surface 510 and inner surface feature surface 512.
- Surface features 504 can thereby change surface area based on temperature, and this variance changes the surface area of heat exchanger element 500.
- a shape-memory alloy can be used in place of first and second materials with differing TEC values. It should be understood that the surface area variance of surface features 504 can depend on the choice of material(s) and the temperatures experienced.
- the surface area variance of surface features 504 increases the surface area of heat exchanger element 500 and can thereby help to increase the amount of heat exchanged by heat exchanger element 500 during operation.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic depiction of heat exchanger 600.
- Heat exchanger 600 includes heat exchanger elements 602 and header 604.
- Arrow F shows the direction of a fluid flow through heat exchanger 600.
- Heat exchanger 600 can transfer heat between two fluid flows, one which is represented by arrow F and one which can flow through heat exchanger elements 602.
- Header 604 similar to header 14 described above in reference to FIG. 1 , can be attached to each of heat exchanger elements 602. While each of heat exchanger elements 602 is illustrated as being approximately centered with respect to header 604 and oriented such that header 604 is perpendicular to heat exchanger elements 602, heat exchanger elements 602 can attach to header 604 at either end or be situated off-center to either side, and can be oriented at another suitable angle with respect to header 604.
- Heat exchanger elements 602 can be substantially similar to any of heat exchanger elements 200, 300, 400, 500 described above in reference to FIGS. 3A-6B , and can operate in substantially the same way as heat exchanger elements 200, 300, 400, 500. Heat exchanger elements 602 can change shape, surface area, and/or roughness in substantially the same way as heat exchanger elements 200, 300, 400, 500.
- a heat exchanger made up of the heat exchanger elements as described herein provides numerous advantages. Incorporating variable shape, surface area, and roughness into a heat exchanger element allows the heat exchanger to increase its efficiency. The use of deformable surface features allows heat exchange efficiency to improve without exceeding weight constraints. These variable characteristics allow a heat exchanger to adjust to a wide variety of operating conditions.
- An embodiment of a heat exchanger element includes a body and at least one surface feature disposed at an outer body surface of the body.
- the at least one surface feature is deformable.
- a cross-section of the heat exchanger element is oriented parallel to a cross-sectional plane of the heat exchanger element.
- At least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change.
- the physical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof.
- a heat exchanger element includes a body and at least one surface feature disposed at an outer body surface of the body.
- the at least one surface feature is deformable.
- a cross-section of the heat exchanger element is oriented parallel to a cross-sectional plane of the heat exchanger element.
- At least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change.
- the physical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof.
- thermoelectric element comprises a shape-memory alloy.
- thermo expansion coefficient a thermal expansion coefficient of the heat exchanger element
- second material has a second thermal expansion coefficient which is different than the first thermal expansion coefficient
- a further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger elements further comprising a plurality of tail fins.
- Each of the plurality of tail fins comprises a base attached to the outer body surface and a tip extending away from the body.
- each of the plurality of tail fins comprises an outer fin surface and an inner fin surface.
- Each of the plurality of outer fin surfaces is approximately continuous with the outer body surface such that the plurality of outer fin surfaces is located away from the plurality of inner fin surfaces.
- Each of the outer fin surfaces has a first thermal expansion coefficient.
- Each of the inner fin surfaces has a second thermal expansion coefficient which is greater than the first thermal expansion coefficient.
- thermoelectric element configured to change shape in response to a change in temperature
- thermoelectric element configured to change surface area in response to a change in temperature
- each of the plurality of surface features has a fin shape.
- Each of the plurality of surface features comprises a first end and a second end. Each first end is attached to a body of the heat exchanger element. Each second end is not attached to the body of the heat exchanger element.
- each of the plurality of surface features has a curved shape.
- Each of the plurality of surface features comprises a first end and a second end. Each first end is attached to a body of the heat exchanger element. Each second end is configured to slidingly engage with the body of the heat exchanger element.
- each of the plurality of surface features is disposed parallel to the cross-sectional plane of the heat exchanger element.
- An embodiment of a heat exchanger for an aircraft includes at least one heat exchanger element and at least one header.
- the at least one heat exchanger element includes a body and at least one surface feature disposed at an outer body surface of the body.
- the at least one surface feature is deformable.
- At least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change.
- the physical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof.
- the at least one header is attached to an end of the at least one heat exchanger element such that the at least one header is oriented perpendicular to the at least one heat exchanger element.
- a heat exchanger for an aircraft includes at least one heat exchanger element and at least one header.
- the at least one heat exchanger element includes a body and at least one surface feature disposed at an outer body surface of the body.
- the at least one surface feature is deformable.
- At least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change.
- the physical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof.
- the at least one header is attached to an end of the at least one heat exchanger element such that the at least one header is oriented perpendicular to the at least one heat exchanger element.
- An embodiment of a method of manufacturing a heat exchanger for an aircraft includes additively manufacturing at least one heat exchanger element.
- the at least one heat exchanger element includes a body and at least one surface feature which is deformable. At least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change.
- the physical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof.
- At least one header, which is attached to an end of the at least one heat exchanger element, is manufactured.
- a method of manufacturing a heat exchanger for an aircraft includes additively manufacturing at least one heat exchanger element.
- the at least one heat exchanger element includes a body and at least one surface feature which is deformable. At least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change.
- the physical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof.
- At least one header, which is attached to an end of the at least one heat exchanger element, is manufactured.
- manufacturing the at least one surface feature comprises additively manufacturing a plurality of deformable surface features.
- manufacturing the heat exchanger comprises using hybrid manufacturing techniques.
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Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure relates generally to heat exchangers, and in particular to an additively manufactured heat exchanger for an aircraft.
- It is desirable to optimize a heat exchanger based on operating conditions to increase heat exchange efficiency. However, heat exchangers in aircraft experience a wide range of operating conditions and are subject to weight and pressure drop constraints.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, a heat exchanger element includes a body and at least one surface feature disposed at an outer body surface of the body. The at least one surface feature is deformable. A cross-section of the heat exchanger element is oriented parallel to a cross-sectional plane of the heat exchanger element. At least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change. The physical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, a heat exchanger for an aircraft includes at least one heat exchanger element and at least one header. The at least one heat exchanger element includes a body and at least one surface feature disposed at an outer body surface of the body. The at least one surface feature is deformable. At least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change. The physical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof. The at least one header is attached to an end of the at least one heat exchanger element such that the at least one header is oriented perpendicular to the at least one heat exchanger element.
- According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a heat exchanger for an aircraft includes additively manufacturing at least one heat exchanger element and manufacturing at least one header which is attached to an end of the at least one heat exchanger element. The at least one heat exchanger element includes a body and at least one surface feature which is deformable. At least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change. The physical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof.
- The subject matter, which is regarded as the disclosure, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The following descriptions of the drawings should not be considered limiting in any way.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art heat exchanger including uniform, airfoil-shaped heat exchanger elements. -
FIG. 2A is a schematic depiction of a bi-material element, each material having a different thermal expansion coefficient. -
FIG. 2B is a schematic depiction of the bi-material element ofFIG. 2A after a temperature increase. -
FIG. 2C is a schematic depiction of a series of the bi-material elements ofFIG. 2A after a temperature increase. -
FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger element having a variable surface shape. -
FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger element ofFIG. 3A after a temperature change. -
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger element having a variable surface area. -
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger element ofFIG. 4A after a temperature change. -
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger element having deformable surface features and a variable surface roughness. -
FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger element ofFIG. 5A after a temperature change. -
FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger element having deformable surface features with a variable shape. -
FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchanger element ofFIG. 6A after a temperature change. -
FIG. 7 is a schematic depiction of a heat exchanger. - Surface features of a heat exchanger element are designed to vary their shape in response to a temperature difference or gradient. As a result of this shape variance, the heat exchanger element can change its surface shape, surface area, surface roughness, and/or other surface characteristics. This allows the heat exchanger to improve its performance across a wide range of operating conditions (as compared to a conventional heat exchanger).
- As used in the present disclosure, a "temperature change" can also refer to a change in relative temperature or other temperature gradient change.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of priorart heat exchanger 10. Priorart heat exchanger 10 includesheat exchanger elements 12 andheader 14. Eachheat exchanger element 12 has afirst end 16, asecond end 18, and across-section 20. Eachcross-section 20 is parallel to cross-sectional plane P. - In the example depicted in
FIG. 1 , priorart heat exchanger 10 is a cross-flow heat exchanger designed for use in an aircraft.Heat exchanger elements 12 have a uniform shape and size. In the example depicted inFIG. 1 , eachheat exchanger element 12 is a tube having a teardrop-shaped cross-section 20. Eachfirst end 16 of aheat exchanger element 12 is attached toheader 14, and eachsecond end 18 of aheat exchanger element 12 extends away fromheader 14. Eachheat exchanger element 12 is thereby arranged perpendicular toheader 14, andheader 14 is parallel to cross-sectional plane P. - An ideal heat exchanger would achieve the highest efficiency possible for heat exchange. Generally, surface area and flow turbulence are positively correlated with efficiency of heat exchange. However, heat exchangers for aircraft (such as prior art heat exchanger 10) also have weight and pressure drop constraints, and are used in a variety of operating conditions. These heat exchangers need to operate at a wide range of temperatures/temperature gradients, altitudes, flow rates, and other parameters. Heat exchangers such as prior
art heat exchanger 10 are generally designed to operate across these wide ranges, but are not optimized for any particular operating condition within those ranges. As a result, the efficiency of priorart heat exchanger 10 may be quite low in some circumstances (such as when a temperature gradient decreases within an aircraft component). -
FIG. 2A is a schematic depiction ofbi-material element 100.Bi-material element 100 includesfirst material 102 andsecond material 104.FIG. 2B is a schematic depiction ofbi-material element 100 after a temperature increase.FIG. 2C is a schematic depiction ofseries 106 ofbi-material elements 100 after a temperature increase.FIGS. 2A-2C will be discussed in turn below. - As shown in
FIG. 2A ,bi-material element 100 has initial total length TL1.Bi-material element 100 also has an initial length along the x-axis XL1. TL1 is equal to XL1 inFIG. 2A becausebi-material element 100 is not curved. Bothfirst material 102 andsecond material 104 can be metallic, such thatfirst material 102 is a first metal andsecond material 104 is a second metal.First material 102 has a first thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) C1. Second material 104 has a second TEC C2 which is different than first TEC C1. In the depicted example, second TEC C2 is greater than first TEC C1. - After
bi-material element 100 has experienced a temperature increase, as shown inFIG. 2B ,bi-material element 100 has final total length TL2 and a final length along the x-axis XL2 such that:FIG. 2B , the total length ofbi-material element 100 has increased due to thermal expansion of bothfirst material 102 andsecond material 104. However, because first TEC C1 is less than second TEC C2 ,first material 102 expands less thansecond material 104 during the temperature increase. Due to this uneven expansion betweenfirst material 102 andsecond material 104, the curvature ofbi-material element 100 has increased and the length ofbi-material element 100 along the x-axis has decreased. It should be understood that a discrete boundary betweenfirst material 102 andsecond material 104 is shown inFIGS. 2A-2C , but embodiments of a bi-material element without a discrete boundary are possible through the use of additive manufacturing. Additionally, while final length XL2 is shown as less than XL1 inFIGS. 2A-2B , in other embodiments the length ofbi-material element 100 along the x-axis can remain the same (depending on choice of materials, temperature, and other parameters). - As shown in
FIG. 2C ,bi-material elements 100 can be arranged inseries 106.FIG. 2C showsbi-material elements 100 arranged end-to-end, but it should be understood thatbi-material elements 100 can be staggered, arranged in a lattice structure, or otherwise arranged in a pattern. Additionally, the layout ofseries 106 can include varying orientations ofbi-material elements 100 and/orbi-material elements 100 containing different materials (through the use of, for example, a third material).Bi-material elements 100 can be incorporated into the internal structure of a heat exchanger element using additive manufacturing. Asbi-material elements 100 change in length due to a temperature increase,series 106 will correspondingly change in length (both total length and length along the x-axis). It should be understood that the use of more or less than two materials can also achieve similar results as a bi-material element (for example, a tri-material element with at least one material having a different TEC than the other two materials, other embodiments of multi-metallic elements, or an element made of a shape-memory alloy). -
FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view ofheat exchanger element 200.Heat exchanger element 200 includesbody 202 andtail fins 204.Body 202 has anouter body surface 206 and aninner body surface 208.Tail fins 204 each have anouter fin surface 210, aninner fin surface 212, abase 214, and atip 216. Arrows F show the direction of a fluid flow aboutheat exchanger element 200.FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view ofheat exchanger element 200 after a temperature change.FIGS. 3A-3B will be discussed in turn below. -
Heat exchanger element 200 can include surface features, such astail fins 204. In the example shown inFIG. 3A ,body 202 andtail fins 204 are each formed of afirst material 218 and asecond material 220. In the depicted example,outer body surface 206 andinner body surface 208 are each formed of approximately halffirst material 218 and halfsecond material 220, outer fin surfaces 210 are formed offirst material 218, and inner fin surfaces 212 are formed ofsecond material 220. The precise location offirst material 218 andsecond material 220 withinbody 202 and/ortail fins 204 can be selected to achieve a particular shape variance and/or tail fin position variance.First material 218 has a first TEC C1 , andsecond material 220 has a second TEC C2. As described above in reference toFIGS. 2A-2C , first TEC C1 is different than second TEC C2 , and in some examples first TEC C1 is less than second TEC C2. -
First material 218 andsecond material 220 can operate in substantially the same way asfirst material 102 and second material 104 (described above in reference toFIGS. 2A-2C ). Due to the difference in thermal expansion betweenfirst material 218 andsecond material 220, the shape ofbody 202 and the position oftail fins 204 can change based on temperature. -
FIG. 3B showsheat exchanger element 200 following a temperature change. This temperature change can occur on one or both ofouter body surface 206 and inner body surface 208 (i.e., in one or both fluids passing through the heat exchanger). In the illustrated embodiment, the shape ofbody 202 has become more elongated due to the difference in TEC offirst material 218 andsecond material 220. Becauseouter fin surface 210 is formed offirst material 218 andinner fin surface 212 is formed ofsecond material 220,outer fin surface 210 expands less thaninner fin surface 212 due to a temperature change. This difference in TEC causes thetips 216 oftail fins 204 to move away from each other in response to a temperature change. In some examples, a similar position change oftail fins 204 can be achieved by deforming the shape ofbody 202, provided thattail fins 204 are sufficiently coupled toouter body surface 206. In some examples, a shape-memory alloy can be used in place of first and second materials with differing TEC values. It should be understood that, depending on the choice of material(s) selected and the temperatures experienced, the shape ofbody 202 and the position oftail fins 204 can vary. - The shape variance of
body 202 and the position oftail fins 204 can help to increase the turbulence of fluid flow through the heat exchanger during operation. This increase in turbulence can raise the efficiency of the heat exchanger due to the disruption of boundary layers along the walls ofheat exchanger elements 200. -
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view ofheat exchanger element 300.Heat exchanger element 300 includesbody 302 andtail fins 304.Body 302 has anouter body surface 306 and aninner body surface 308.Tail fins 304 each have anouter fin surface 310, aninner fin surface 312, abase 314, and atip 316.FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view ofheat exchanger element 300 after a temperature change.FIGS. 4A-4B will be discussed in turn below. - As described above in reference to
FIGS. 3A-3B ,heat exchanger element 300 can include surface features such astail fins 304, andbody 302 andtail fins 304 are each formed of afirst material 318 and asecond material 320.Tail fins 304 can be substantially similar to tail fins 204 (described above in reference toFIGS. 3A-3B ).Body 302 can be formed of a series of bi-material elements, such asseries 322.Series 322 can be substantially similar to series 106 (described above in reference toFIG. 2C ). These bi-material elements can each be formed offirst material 318 andsecond material 320.First material 318 has a first TEC C1 , andsecond material 320 has a second TEC C2. As described above in reference toFIGS. 2A-2C , first TEC C1 is different than second TEC C2 , and in some examples first TEC C1 is less than second TEC C2. -
First material 318 andsecond material 320 can operate in substantially the same way asfirst material 102 and second material 104 (described above in reference toFIGS. 2A-2C ). Due to the difference in thermal expansion betweenfirst material 318 andsecond material 320, the surface area ofbody 302 and the position oftail fins 304 can change based on temperature. -
FIG. 4B showsheat exchanger element 300 following a temperature change. The surface area ofbody 302 has increased due to the difference in TEC offirst material 318 andsecond material 320.Body 302 can thereby expand or contract based on temperature. In some examples, a shape-memory alloy can be used in place of first and second materials with differing TEC values. It should be understood that the surface area variance ofbody 302 can depend on the choice of material(s) and the temperatures experienced. - The surface area variance of
body 302 can help to increase the amount of heat exchanged byheat exchanger element 300. Additionally, the position oftail fins 304 can help to increase the turbulence of fluid flow through the heat exchanger during operation (as described above in reference toFIGS. 3A-3B ). -
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view ofheat exchanger element 400.Heat exchanger element 400 includesbody 402 andmicro-fins 404.Body 402 has anouter body surface 406 and aninner body surface 408. Each micro-fin 404 has anouter fin surface 410, aninner fin surface 412, afirst end 414, and asecond end 416. Arrows F show the direction of a fluid flow aboutheat exchanger element 400.FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view ofheat exchanger element 400 after a temperature change.FIGS. 5A-5B will be discussed in turn below. - As described above in reference to
FIGS. 3A-3B , heat exchanger element can include surface features such asmicro-fins 404.Micro-fins 404 are illustrated as having a curved shape inFIGS. 5A-5B , but micro-fins 404 can have other shapes such as a substantially flat shape (either before or after a temperature change), a shape which conforms to outer body surface 406 (either before or after a temperature change), a straight fin similar totail fins FIGS. 3A-4B , or other suitable shapes. Each micro-fin 404 can be formed of afirst material 418 and asecond material 420. Eachfirst end 414 ofmicro-fins 404 can be attached toouter body surface 406. Eachsecond end 416 ofmicro-fins 404 can be a free end unattached toouter body surface 406. InFIG. 5A , eachsecond end 416 ofmicro-fins 404 is located adjacent toouter body surface 406. Each micro-fin 404 can be formed of a bi-material element, similar to bi-material element 100 (described above in reference toFIG. 2C ). These bi-material elements can each be formed offirst material 418 andsecond material 420.Outer fin surface 410 can be formed offirst material 418, andinner fin surface 412 can be formed ofsecond material 420.First material 418 has a first TEC C1 , andsecond material 420 has a second TEC C2. As described above in reference toFIGS. 2A-2C , first TEC C1 is different than second TEC C2 , and in some examples first TEC C1 is less than second TEC C2. -
First material 418 andsecond material 420 can operate in substantially the same way asfirst material 102 and second material 104 (described above in reference toFIGS. 2A-2C ). Due to the difference in thermal expansion betweenfirst material 418 andsecond material 420, the position of micro-fins 404 can change based on temperature. -
FIG. 5B showsheat exchanger element 400 following a temperature change. The position of micro-fins 404 has changed due to the difference in TEC ofouter fin surface 410 andinner fin surface 412.Micro-fins 404 can thereby change position based on temperature, and this positioning changes the surface roughness ofheat exchanger element 400. In some examples, a shape-memory alloy can be used in place of first and second materials with differing TEC values. It should be understood that the surface roughness variance ofheat exchanger element 400 can depend on the choice of material(s) and the temperatures experienced. - In a similar manner to
tail fins 204 and 304 (described above in reference toFIGS. 3A-4B ), the surface roughness variance ofheat exchanger element 400, caused by the movement ofmicro-fins 404, can help to increase the turbulence of fluid flow through the heat exchanger during operation. -
FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view ofheat exchanger element 500.Heat exchanger element 500 includesbody 502 and surface features 504.Body 502 has anouter body surface 506 and aninner body surface 508. Eachsurface feature 504 has an outersurface feature surface 510, an innersurface feature surface 512, afirst end 514, and asecond end 516.FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view ofheat exchanger element 500 after a temperature change.FIGS. 6A-6B will be discussed in turn below. - Each surface feature 504 can be formed of a
first material 518 and asecond material 520. Surface features 504 are illustrated as having a curved shape inFIGS. 6A-6B , but surface features 504 can have other shapes such as a substantially flat shape (either before or after a temperature change), a shape which conforms to outer body surface 506 (either before or after a temperature change), or other suitable shapes. Eachfirst end 514 of surface features 504 can be attached toouter body surface 506. Eachsecond end 516 of surface features 504 can be attached toouter body surface 506 such that second ends 516 can slidingly engage withouter body surface 506. In some embodiments, eachsecond end 516 can be attached toouter body surface 506 in the same manner as first ends 514. Each surface feature 504 can be formed of a bi-material element, similar to bi-material element 100 (described above in reference toFIG. 2C ). These bi-material elements can each be formed offirst material 518 andsecond material 520.First material 518 has a first TEC C1 , andsecond material 520 has a second TEC C2. As described above in reference toFIGS. 2A-2C , first TEC C1 is different than second TEC C2 , and in some examples first TEC C1 is less than second TEC C2. -
First material 518 andsecond material 520 can operate in substantially the same way asfirst material 102 and second material 104 (described above in reference toFIGS. 2A-2C ). Due to the difference in thermal expansion betweenfirst material 518 andsecond material 520, the surface area of surface features 504 can change based on temperature. -
FIG. 6B showsheat exchanger element 500 following a temperature change. The surface area of surface features 504 has increased due to the difference in TEC of outersurface feature surface 510 and innersurface feature surface 512. Surface features 504 can thereby change surface area based on temperature, and this variance changes the surface area ofheat exchanger element 500. In some examples, a shape-memory alloy can be used in place of first and second materials with differing TEC values. It should be understood that the surface area variance of surface features 504 can depend on the choice of material(s) and the temperatures experienced. - In a similar manner to body 304 (described above in reference to
FIGS. 4A-4B ), the surface area variance of surface features 504 increases the surface area ofheat exchanger element 500 and can thereby help to increase the amount of heat exchanged byheat exchanger element 500 during operation. -
FIG. 7 is a schematic depiction ofheat exchanger 600.Heat exchanger 600 includesheat exchanger elements 602 andheader 604. Arrow F shows the direction of a fluid flow throughheat exchanger 600. -
Heat exchanger 600 can transfer heat between two fluid flows, one which is represented by arrow F and one which can flow throughheat exchanger elements 602.Header 604, similar toheader 14 described above in reference toFIG. 1 , can be attached to each ofheat exchanger elements 602. While each ofheat exchanger elements 602 is illustrated as being approximately centered with respect toheader 604 and oriented such thatheader 604 is perpendicular toheat exchanger elements 602,heat exchanger elements 602 can attach toheader 604 at either end or be situated off-center to either side, and can be oriented at another suitable angle with respect toheader 604. -
Heat exchanger elements 602 can be substantially similar to any ofheat exchanger elements FIGS. 3A-6B , and can operate in substantially the same way asheat exchanger elements Heat exchanger elements 602 can change shape, surface area, and/or roughness in substantially the same way asheat exchanger elements - A heat exchanger made up of the heat exchanger elements as described herein provides numerous advantages. Incorporating variable shape, surface area, and roughness into a heat exchanger element allows the heat exchanger to increase its efficiency. The use of deformable surface features allows heat exchange efficiency to improve without exceeding weight constraints. These variable characteristics allow a heat exchanger to adjust to a wide variety of operating conditions.
- The following are non-exclusive descriptions of possible embodiments of the present invention.
- An embodiment of a heat exchanger element includes a body and at least one surface feature disposed at an outer body surface of the body. The at least one surface feature is deformable. A cross-section of the heat exchanger element is oriented parallel to a cross-sectional plane of the heat exchanger element. At least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change. The physical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof.
- The heat exchanger element of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations, and/or additional components:
A heat exchanger element includes a body and at least one surface feature disposed at an outer body surface of the body. The at least one surface feature is deformable. A cross-section of the heat exchanger element is oriented parallel to a cross-sectional plane of the heat exchanger element. At least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change. The physical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof. - A further embodiment of the foregoing heat exchanger element, wherein the heat exchanger element comprises a shape-memory alloy.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger elements, wherein the heat exchanger element comprises a first material and a second material. The first material has a first thermal expansion coefficient. The second material has a second thermal expansion coefficient which is different than the first thermal expansion coefficient.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger elements, further comprising a plurality of tail fins. Each of the plurality of tail fins comprises a base attached to the outer body surface and a tip extending away from the body.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger elements, wherein each of the plurality of tail fins comprises an outer fin surface and an inner fin surface. Each of the plurality of outer fin surfaces is approximately continuous with the outer body surface such that the plurality of outer fin surfaces is located away from the plurality of inner fin surfaces. Each of the outer fin surfaces has a first thermal expansion coefficient. Each of the inner fin surfaces has a second thermal expansion coefficient which is greater than the first thermal expansion coefficient.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger elements, wherein the heat exchanger element is configured to change shape in response to a change in temperature.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger elements, wherein the heat exchanger element is configured to change surface area in response to a change in temperature.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger elements, wherein the at least one surface feature comprises a plurality of surface features.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger elements, wherein each of the plurality of surface features has a fin shape. Each of the plurality of surface features comprises a first end and a second end. Each first end is attached to a body of the heat exchanger element. Each second end is not attached to the body of the heat exchanger element.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger elements, wherein the plurality of surface features is configured to change surface area in response to a temperature change.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger elements, wherein each of the plurality of surface features has a curved shape. Each of the plurality of surface features comprises a first end and a second end. Each first end is attached to a body of the heat exchanger element. Each second end is configured to slidingly engage with the body of the heat exchanger element.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing heat exchanger elements, wherein each of the plurality of surface features is disposed parallel to the cross-sectional plane of the heat exchanger element.
- An embodiment of a heat exchanger for an aircraft includes at least one heat exchanger element and at least one header. The at least one heat exchanger element includes a body and at least one surface feature disposed at an outer body surface of the body. The at least one surface feature is deformable. At least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change. The physical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof. The at least one header is attached to an end of the at least one heat exchanger element such that the at least one header is oriented perpendicular to the at least one heat exchanger element.
- The heat exchanger of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations, and/or additional components:
A heat exchanger for an aircraft includes at least one heat exchanger element and at least one header. The at least one heat exchanger element includes a body and at least one surface feature disposed at an outer body surface of the body. The at least one surface feature is deformable. At least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change. The physical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof. The at least one header is attached to an end of the at least one heat exchanger element such that the at least one header is oriented perpendicular to the at least one heat exchanger element. - An embodiment of a method of manufacturing a heat exchanger for an aircraft includes additively manufacturing at least one heat exchanger element. The at least one heat exchanger element includes a body and at least one surface feature which is deformable. At least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change. The physical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof. At least one header, which is attached to an end of the at least one heat exchanger element, is manufactured.
- The method of the preceding paragraph can optionally include, additionally and/or alternatively, any one or more of the following features, configurations, and/or additional components:
A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger for an aircraft includes additively manufacturing at least one heat exchanger element. The at least one heat exchanger element includes a body and at least one surface feature which is deformable. At least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change. The physical characteristic is selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof. At least one header, which is attached to an end of the at least one heat exchanger element, is manufactured. - A further embodiment of the foregoing method, wherein manufacturing the at least one surface feature comprises additively manufacturing a plurality of deformable surface features.
- A further embodiment of any of the foregoing methods, wherein manufacturing the heat exchanger comprises using hybrid manufacturing techniques.
- While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment(s), it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment(s) disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (15)
- A heat exchanger element, the heat exchanger element comprising:a body (202); andat least one surface feature disposed at an outer body surface (206) of the body, wherein the at least one surface feature is deformable;wherein:a cross-section of the heat exchanger element is oriented parallel to a cross-sectional plane of the heat exchanger element; andat least one of the body (202) and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change, the physical characteristic selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof.
- The heat exchanger element of claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger element comprises a shape-memory alloy.
- The heat exchanger element of claim 1, wherein:the heat exchanger element comprises a first material (218) and a second material (220);the first material (218) has a first thermal expansion coefficient; andthe second material (220) has a second thermal expansion coefficient which is different than the first thermal expansion coefficient.
- The heat exchanger element of any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of tail fins (204), wherein each of the plurality of tail fins comprises a base (314) attached to the outer body surface and a tip (316) extending away from the body.
- The heat exchanger element of claim 4, wherein:each of the plurality of tail fins (204, 304) comprises an outer fin surface (310) and an inner fin surface (312), wherein each of the plurality of outer fin surfaces is approximately continuous with the outer body surface such that the plurality of outer fin surfaces is located away from the plurality of inner fin surfaces;each of the outer fin surfaces has a first thermal expansion coefficient; andeach of the inner fin surfaces has a second thermal expansion coefficient which is greater than the first thermal expansion coefficient.
- The heat exchanger element of any preceding claim, wherein the heat exchanger element is configured to change shape in response to a change in temperature.
- The heat exchanger element of any preceding claim, wherein the heat exchanger element is configured to change surface area in response to a change in temperature.
- The heat exchanger of claim 1, wherein the at least one surface feature comprises a plurality of surface features.
- The heat exchanger element of claim 8, wherein the plurality of surface features is configured to change a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element in response to a temperature change, and preferably wherein:each of the plurality of surface features has a fin shape;each of the plurality of surface features comprises a first end and a second end;each first end is attached to a body of the heat exchanger element; andeach second end is not attached to the body of the heat exchanger element.
- The heat exchanger element of claim 8, wherein the plurality of surface features is configured to change surface area in response to a temperature change, and preferably wherein:each of the plurality of surface features has a curved shape;each of the plurality of surface features comprises a first end and a second end;each first end is attached to a body of the heat exchanger element; andeach second end is configured to slidingly engage with the body of the heat exchanger element.
- The heat exchanger element of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of surface features is disposed parallel to the cross-sectional plane of the heat exchanger element.
- A heat exchanger for an aircraft, the heat exchanger comprising:at least one heat exchanger element, the at least one heat exchanger element comprising a heat exchanger element as claimed in claim 1; andat least one header attached to an end of the at least one heat exchanger element such that the at least one header is oriented perpendicular to the at least one heat exchanger element.
- A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger for an aircraft, the method comprising:additively manufacturing at least one heat exchanger element, the at least one heat exchanger element comprising:a body; andat least one surface feature which is deformable;wherein at least one of the body and the at least one surface feature is configured to selectively respond to a temperature change such that a physical characteristic of the heat exchanger element changes in response to a temperature change, the physical characteristic selected from the group consisting of: a shape of the heat exchanger element, a surface area of the heat exchanger element, a surface roughness of the heat exchanger element, and combinations thereof; andmanufacturing at least one header which is attached to an end of the at least one heat exchanger element.
- The method of claim 13, wherein manufacturing the at least one surface feature comprises additively manufacturing a plurality of deformable surface features.
- The method of claim 14, wherein manufacturing the heat exchanger comprises using hybrid manufacturing techniques.
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US17/587,619 US20230243605A1 (en) | 2022-01-28 | 2022-01-28 | Smart additively manufactured heat exchanger with adaptive profile and turbulator |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP4279853A1 (en) * | 2022-05-20 | 2023-11-22 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Additively manufactured heat exchanger with special surface roughness |
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2022
- 2022-01-28 US US17/587,619 patent/US20230243605A1/en active Pending
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US20160209132A1 (en) * | 2015-01-16 | 2016-07-21 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Self-regulating heat exchanger |
US20180058472A1 (en) * | 2016-08-31 | 2018-03-01 | Unison Industries, Llc | Fan casing assembly with cooler and method of moving |
US20190195132A1 (en) * | 2016-09-08 | 2019-06-27 | Unison Industries, Llc | Fan casing assembly and method |
EP3800415A1 (en) * | 2019-10-04 | 2021-04-07 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Passive hex flow regulation |
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